Governor Acharya Devvrat while presiding over the concluding ceremony of the week-long International Shivratri Fair at Mandi today said that the people of Himachal respect the high values of Dev culture as it also helps in the progress of the State. "Lord Shiva is the symbol of welfare of mankind and this festival in the name of Shiva celebrated every year depicts our faith in mankind", said Acharya Devvrat and added that we should not adopt evils or bad practice and spoil our Dev culture.

He said that Shivratri was the festival of Lord Shiva and the genesis of Shiva was for the welfare of mankind. He gave the message of welfare of world, but unfortunately, some so called religious people defined him in other way.

The Governor said that fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh were unique in their own way and were means for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the State. He said that rich colours of tradition witnessed during these festivals should be preserved for prosperity as they affirm our identity as a great State and Nation.

The Governor said that fairs and festivals provide new energy to the people and should ensure our active participation in their celebrations. He said that it was the responsibility of every individual to eradicate social evils from the society. He appealed to the youth to respect the rich culture of the State and carry it forward to the next generation.

He said that youth of our country were progressing ahead in every field, however, there was a need to maintain harmony between modernity and our old traditions which were the backbone of our distinct culture.

Earlier, Acharya Devvrat paid obeisance at Madhorai Temple and also participated in the Jaleb Shobha Yatra. He also participated in ‘Bhoj’

The Governor also visited the exhibition put up by different Government departments and other organizations. He evinced keen interests in the exhibits displayed on the occasion.

Deputy Commissioner Mandi and Chairman Mela Committee Shri Rugved Thakur welcomed the Governor and detailed various activities which had been executed during last seven days of the festival. He also honoured the Governor on the occasion.

MPP & Power Minister Shri Anil Sharma, Member of Parliament Shri Ram Swaroop Sharma, Col. Inder Singh and Shri Jawahar Thakur, MLAs, Chairperson Nagar Parishad Mandi Smt. Suman Thakur, Superintendent of Police Shri Gurdev Sharma, senior officers of the district and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

An Annual Plan size of Rs. 6300 crore for the year 2018-19 was approved in the meeting of State Planning Board held here today with an increase of 10.51 percent as compared to last year Annual Plan of Rs. 5700 crore under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur.

Social Services Sector, Transport and Communication, Agriculture & allied activities, Energy and Irrigation and Flood Control etc. have been given added priority in Annual Plan.

An outlay of Rs. 2548 crore has been proposed for social service sector, followed by transport and communication with proposed outlay of Rs.1095 crore. The third priority has been accorded to agriculture and allied activities sector for which an outlay of Rs. 844 crore has been proposed while energy sector is proposed Rs. 682 crore. Rs. 431 crore has been proposed for irrigation and flood control and Rs. 285 crore for general economic services while other sectors are proposed Rs. 415 crore.

Chief Minister said that Rs. 653 crore has been proposed under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), loan funding from NABARD. He said that under this a sum of Rs. 368 crore has been proposed for roads and bridges, Rs. 130 crore for rural water supply schemes, Rs. 110 crore for minor irrigation schemes, Rs. 38 crore for micro irrigation and poly houses (Agriculture) besides flood control and food and civil supply sectors.

Earlier, Chief Minister released a book 'Strategies for Doubling Farmers Income in Himachal Pradesh' by Shri H.C. Sharma on the occasion.